Typically a club near the top of the United Soccer League in goals scored, Louisville City FC has changed its dynamic at the one-third mark of the 2017 season, entering Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds tied for second in goals allowed (9) and clean sheets (6).
The difference? Defender Tarek Morad credited chemistry among the back line, which has regularly paired returners such as Morad and Kyle Smith with newcomers Oscar Jimenez and Sean Totsch.
“I think this year we’re a little more together defensively,” Morad said. “I think we have a great chemistry. The only thing we’re missing right now is scoring more consistently, but that will come.”
Four defenders are among the top six in minutes played through 11 LouCity games: Smith (990), Totsch (906), Jimenez (900) and Morad (810). Each have featured only during full 90-minute performances.
“Definitely playing with each other a lot and playing a lot of minutes helps us be able to defend well together,” Morad said. “That’s something that’s played a part in the amount of shutouts we’ve kept and the little amount of goals we’ve allowed.”
Unbeaten San Antonio FC’s five goals conceded lead the entire USL. Rio Grande Valley FC and LouCity are both at nine allowed.
Offense has picked up lately as well, with the boys in purple tallying eight goals in their last three games, last time out posting a 3-0 win over defending USL champion New York Red Bulls II.
“I think it’s trying to get the balance,” said coach James O’Connor. “We love to attack. We want to attack. I think we’ve had lots of chances, and we’ve been in positions to score more goals. For us, it’s about getting that balance and what’s needed for a particular game.”
At this point in previous seasons, LouCity has topped the league in goals scored. The club finished 2016 second overall in goals with 52 total, behind only the Red Bulls II’s record-setting 61 tallied.
Saturday’s rematch with the Riverhounds — LouCity took the first meeting by a 1-0 score in Pittsburgh — marked one of the club’s shutouts.
“I think our defense has always been strong, and last year it got out-shined by how many goals we were scoring,” said midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye. “People forgot about how good our back line is. Overall, our team defense is usually what wins us the games, right?
“When we’re not scoring, it’s nice to know we’re solid in the back and can keep clean sheets.”
